Nursing professor named fellow of American Academy of Nursing

Deborah Raines, associate professor in the School of Nursing, has been named a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (AAN).

The prestigious designation recognizes contributions to nursing practice, policy and education. Selection is also based on the nominee’s influence on health care policy and practice, and the overall health and well-being of patients.

Raines is among 173 nurses honored during the AAN’s annual policy conference held Oct. 5-7 in Washington, D.C.

With the addition of the new class, there are more than 2,500 AAN fellows. Raines is among six School of Nursing faculty who are AAN fellows. Six emeritus nursing faculty members also hold the distinction.

“The School of Nursing is honored by the national recognition of Dr. Raines’ work that reflects the innovation and academic-practice partnership we have strived to achieve here in Buffalo,” says Marsha Lewis, professor and dean of the School of Nursing.

“Her national impact is evident. Dr. Raines’ mentorship with staff and students produced joint presentations, locally and nationally, and co-authored peer-reviewed journal articles.”

In addition to publishing more than 75 journal articles, Raines has received numerous awards, including the NLN Award for Outstanding Leadership in Workforce Development from the National League for Nursing and the 2016 Elsevier Leading Stars in Education (ELSIE) Award for Excellence in Clinical Education from Elsevier.

“My journey as a nurse has been accentuated with opportunities, challenges, successes and letdowns,” says Raines. “Induction as a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing is a privilege and validation of the impact of my work.

“Now, as a fellow, I have an even greater responsibility to continue the journey and impact the well-being of women, neonates and families, and to advance the profession of nursing.”

Raines, a clinical nurse specialist, focuses her research on parenting behaviors, pregnancy and newborn health, and nursing workforce development through innovative education.

“Dr. Raines has transformed the Dedicated Education Unit on the mother baby unit at Sisters of Charity Hospital into a real-world laboratory for students and staff nurses,” Lewis says. “She collaborated with staff to implement evidence-based guidelines for infant safe sleep that led to a parent education program and video application to share with extended family.”

Raines received a doctorate in nursing administration and information systems from Virginia Commonwealth University, a specialist in education from Walden University, a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Syracuse University.